Federal Funding for Area Emergency Assistance Sees Sharp Cut [AUDIO]

ST. CLOUD - Federal funding to help with emergency shelter in our area has taken a major hit.

Betty Schnettler of the United Way of Central Minnesota says the Emergency Food and Shelter Program has presented their award amount to the Tri-County area, and it's not good.

Schnettler says these funds are crucial to shelters and services that typically run at near 100% capacity. The funds remaining will be awarded to agencies providing emergency housing, rent and mortgage assistance to local families.

Last year, the funds helped with 12,000 nights in shelters and 155 emergency rent and mortgage payments.